Description:
Are you an immigration attorney who wants meaningful courtroom work, real responsibility, and a firm that is intentionally built—not chaotic?We are a Boston-based immigration law firm seeking a driven Immigration Defense Attorney to join our litigation and humanitarian practice. This role is ideal for an attorney who wants hands-on experience in removal defense, bond and custody litigation, detained representation, and complex humanitarian relief—while working within a firm that values structure, preparation, and professional growth.
You will play a direct role in protecting clients' liberty, keeping families together, and navigating high-stakes immigration proceedings. This is not a paper-pushing position. You will appear in court, argue bond, strategize cases, and collaborate closely with a strong paralegal and client relations team so you can focus on lawyering at a high level.
Key Responsibilities:
Immigration Court & Removal Defense
- Appear in Immigration Court for Master Calendar Hearings and related proceedings
- Review procedural posture, prior filings, and available relief
- Enter appearances, file pleadings, motions to continue, and comply with IJ orders
- Strategize case progression based on Individual Hearing (IH) timelines and posture
- Coordinate court outcomes and next steps with firm staff and client relations teams
Bond & Custody Litigation
- Prepare and litigate bond and custody cases for detained clients
- Analyze immigration and criminal histories to assess detention eligibility and risk
- Develop and argue dangerousness and flight risk positions
- Prepare evidentiary and due process arguments, including jurisdictional challenges
- Assemble and present bond packets, including cases involving parallel habeas relief
Detained Representation & Jail Work
- Conduct intake consultations for detained clients nationwide
- Screen detained clients for relief eligibility (asylum, bond, SIJS, VAWA, T/U visas, 42B, etc.)
- Develop factual records related to immigration history, criminal history, and fear of return
- Communicate with detention centers, ERO officers, and EOIR clerks
- Conduct in-person jail visits, including at Plymouth County Correctional Facility
Motion Practice & Legal Drafting
- Draft motions to recalendar, terminate, substitute counsel, and oppose DHS motions
- Prepare EOIR status updates, motions for speedy hearings, and urgent filings
- Draft affidavits and supporting evidence for bond hearings and Individual Hearings
- Handle time-sensitive filings, including asylum applications and supporting documentation
Humanitarian & Ancillary Immigration Matters
- Prepare and litigate SIJS-related dependency matters in Massachusetts Probate and Family Court
- Draft and assemble dependency packets and coordinate service and court filings
- Represent clients in naturalization (N-400) matters, including interview preparation and attendance
- Identify good moral character and admissibility issues and advise clients accordingly
Collaboration & Case Strategy
- Work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and client relations staff
- Assist with IH preparation, client testimony development, and urgent case needs
- Support detained clients and family members in understanding procedural outcomes
- Participate in strategy discussions on priority and complex cases
Who Thrives in This Role
- This role is a strong fit for an attorney who:
- Enjoys litigation, strategy, and court appearances
- Is organized, prepared, and comfortable managing deadlines
- Takes ownership of cases and follows through
- Wants to grow within a structured, well-run firm
- Cares deeply about clients but does not thrive in chaos
Qualifications:
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Admission to a U.S. state bar (Massachusetts preferred)
- Prior experience in immigration law strongly preferred, especially:
- Removal defense
- Bond and custody work
- Detained representation
- Strong legal writing and oral advocacy skills
- Ability to analyze criminal records and immigration consequences
- Spanish proficiency strongly preferred (but not required)
- High ethical standards, professionalism, and sound judgment
- Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining quality